Alesia and David Sanders, owners of Personal Touch based here in Fayetteville, celebrate the company’s 25th year. The company, launched in 1986, has gained numerous awards and recognition for going out of its way to ensure fair and honorable business practices.

The firm became the first small business to win the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award in both Tennessee and Alabama, going on to become one the top five of 100 businesses nominated for national recognition by the Better Business Bureau.

"Ever since 1986 the mission of our company has remained the same, to provide our clients with the most outstanding cleaning experience possible," said David Sanders, who operates Personal Touch with his wife, Alesia, recipient of the Heartbeat Award from the International Society of Cleaning Technicians. "Our accomplishments and the respect we’ve earned in the business over these past 25 years are a testament to our professional work ethic and trustworthiness."

"Too, we appreciate the faith our customers place in us," he continued. "It’s not all about growth or how big you are – we haven’t forgotten how to treat people and are always pleased when customers speak so highly of us."

David moved from Winchester to Fayetteville in 1986 when he went to work for another professional in the cleaning and refurbishment business.

"I remember talking with Bruce Wright, who owned a local cleaning company for 30 years, and he was very open and straightforward with me," David recalls. "He taught me how important education is and stressed the significance of being a professional and doing the job right."

"Scott Warrington, who I also worked with, encouraged me to learn the science behind what we do, which was something that always intrigued me. That’s how I began specializing in certain aspects of our work."

To reach his goals, David began attending schools across the United States, gaining education and training that would lead him to hold certifications in 10 areas of cleaning, including two masters, one in cleaning and another in restorative cleaning.

Along the way, 21 years ago, David and Alesia married. At the time, David was working at Walmart, cleaning and stripping floors, one of three jobs he held at the time while operating his small business. From Columbia, Alesia would work her day job and then assist him at night. Finally, she gave up her job to join him in the business full-time.

"I really enjoy working with her," he said. "We complement each other very well, and now our daughter, Jamiah, is learning the trade. She’s 14 and already wants to take over the business one day … We are trying to lay the foundation for her to do that, teaching her how to do estimates, why certain chemicals work, and about marketing and promotion. She’s going to be the next generation, using technology, too, as part of the trade."

"We’ve been very fortunate to experience a great deal of success and expand, while still maintaining the characteristics of a small business," said Alesia, referring to Personal Touch’s growth from Tennessee into Alabama where they work in Huntsville and Madison County with home developers such as Olive Homes and other entities such as the Space and Rocket Center. Other unique customers include Earth, Wind and Fire’s tour bus and an array of private and commercial airplanes.

But Personal Touch’s founders are most appreciative of their customers here in their home town. "We have a lot of good customers in Fayetteville, and we want to thank them – their trust means a lot to us," said Alesia, and David added, "We’ve got the best customers in the world, and they mean a lot to us. People like Carol Foster, who has been very encouraging."

The Sanders have also launched a consumer awareness website to help customers find a reputable contractor. That web address is callpersonaltouch.com.